Question

If the gravitational potential on the surface of earth is $V_{0}$, then potential at a point at height half of the radius of earth is

• A. $\frac{V_{0}}{2}$
• B. $\frac{2}{3} V_{0}$
• C. $\frac{v_{0}}{3}$
• D. $\frac{3 V_{0}}{2}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Gravitational potential on the surface,
$V_{0}=-\frac{G M_{e}}{R_{e}}$
Gravitational potential at height $h$,
$V_{n} =-\frac{G M_{e}}{\left(R_{e}+\frac{R_{e}}{2}\right)}$
$=-\frac{2}{3} \frac{G M_{e}}{R_{e}}$
$=\frac{2}{3} V_{0}$